Solskjaer confirms that Odion Ighalo will feature for Manchester United against Watford
According to the club’s official site, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Odion Ighalo will feature against Watford this weekend.
The Red Devils take on the Hornets in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday at Old Trafford. Having made it to the semifinals last season, United will be hoping they can go all the way this time around.
Signed on loan last January, the 31-year-old Ighalo got off to an excellent start to life at United. He scored four goals in his first eight games, earning him rave praise.
“He’s in the squad, and I hope that he can join in.”
The good form shown by him saw the club extend his loan spell until January 31, 2021. Unfortunately, Ighalo has since been the forgotten man at the club.
His standing took another beating following the arrival of Edinson Cavani last summer. The Nigerian has since started just four games and is yet to find the back of the goal.
Coming off the back of a busy festive season, Solskjaer will look to rotate his squad against Watford. With Cavani suspended, Ighalo’s time appears to have come.
“It’s been difficult for him to be out of the squad as many times as he has since the summer, but he’s never let himself down as a professional and a human being. He always works hard and he’s been a positive influence in the dressing room.”
A familiar opponent!
The significance of the opponents on Sunday is not lost on Solskjaer. Ighalo made 100 appearances for the Vicarage Road outfit during a three-year spell from 2014-17. During that time, he scored 40 goals and assisted 11. (h/t Transfermarkt)
“It’s special for him against Watford. he will be involved. I don’t know how many goals he’s scored [at senior level], but he was top scorer in the round robin we just had in training!”
Despite the lack of opportunities, Solskjaer praised Ighalo’s personality off the pitch. He has been a good influence and has been a consummate professional.
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United have an excellent record in the third round of the FA Cup. The Red Devils have only gone out twice in this stage in the last 41 years. Solskjaer will hope he can keep the run going.
